Mother
plays a significant role in every family, who contributes physically,
emotionally and mentally for providing a balanced and healthy life to the
family. Because of the unparalleled love, care and support provided by mothers
they are often called the ‘’backbone of the family’’. But it has been found
while performing their duties and fulfilling their responsibilities (both at
home and work place), they are left with no time for themselves. As a result,
they start neglecting their own health and wellbeing, pay less heed to their
eating habits and physical fitness regime which can lead to many health issues
that most mothers suffer in their forties and fifties.
It
is estimated that there is a direct relationship between family health, care
and mothering practices. Mother’s health influences the family health directly.
Thus it becomes imperative for the family members to reciprocate the same love
and caring to the mother also. Children of the family should encourage their
mother to go for regular health check-ups.
Tests for BP, Diabetes (blood sugar test), Cholesterol (total
and differential count including HDL, LDL and Triglycerides) should be
conducted on a regular basis. Body mass index (BMI), based on person’s height
and weight, to determine the healthy weight of the individual and waist
circumference to measure abdominal fat should also be done.
Maintaining
BP, blood sugar count and cholesterol count within normal limits is very
important. High BP or Hypertension can be very harmful for the body and may
lead to many serious cardiac disorders and can be fatal also. Diabetes makes
the individual susceptible to many other health problems and reduces
individual’s healing capacity also. High cholesterol can predispose to many
severe health problems of which, Atherosclerosis is the most common. By making some
healthy lifestyle changes indiet, daily routine activities alongside
medicationwill help in keeping all these parameters under control.
The
right balance of healthy diet and regular exercise can work miraculously and
will help in maintaining the healthy weight, keeping bones strong and prevent
many severe cardiac disorders. It has been found that women are more prone to
osteoporosis than men after menopause. Thus high fibre, fat free, low sodium
and calcium rich diet with all the essential nutrients in right proportion
should be taken. Processed foods and beverages having Trans- fats and excessive
sugar should be completely shunned. Below is the list of healthy foods to be
eaten by every mother daily to stay healthy and keep the diseases at bay:
Green leafy vegetables:
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Oats: Rich in fibre.
After
the age of 50 or even 40 it becomes crucial for the mothers to not neglect any
signs of weakness, tiredness, constant headaches, irritability, sudden weight
gain or weight loss. Women of the similar age also need to watch out for any
sign of cervical and breast cancer, as their incidence are found to increase
with age. Symptoms such as any lumps in breasts, pain or swelling(of breasts)
or nipple discharge, require immediate advice from an experienced doctor. Thus
it becomes imperative to go for routine mammography and pap smear test for
early detection and treatment.
It
would be best to make a protocol that includes going for regular check-ups,
half yearly visit to a good gynaecologist beside shaving balanced and healthy
diet and making a good exercise regime for staying healthy and staying stress
free. Thus it is wise to take family health plans which ensures quality
healthcare services
for the entire family and is economical as well.
The
mother’s role is irreplaceable across all areas of family health .Thus it
becomes equally important to take care of mother’s health both physically and
emotionally to keep her stress free, healthy and happy.
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